Method and apparatus for concealing sensors in urban and industrial environments

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like. Also disclosed is a system for concealment of chemical and/or biological sensors in a building for urban or industrial environments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/973,496,filed Dec. 20, 2010, (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 7,948,372 on May 24,2011), which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/910,415, filed Aug. 3, 2004, (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,868,752 onJan. 11, 2011), which was a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/508,761, filed Oct. 3, 2003.

Each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.Priority of each of these applications is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to safety devices for monitoring theposition of barges, rail cars, containers or other vehicles movingthrough a port or rail yard and that can radio position and/or oxygenlevels to appropriate personnel.

It is common for large numbers of vehicles or vessels to be parked,moored, etc. in an area where they are not carefully monitored. Forexample, many barges are moored in the Mississippi River in a raft suchas, for example, several barges wide and as much as a quarter of a milelong. During the night, these barges can become dislodged from theirmooring creating a hazard to navigation.

Many of these barges carry hazardous cargo that can leak creating ahealth hazard for persons in the immediate area should leaks occur.

Many patents have issued that are directed to monitoring the position ofa mobile unit as noted in the following table:

TABLE 1 U.S. PAT. NO. TITLE ISSUE DATE 6,055,426 Notification of aMobile Apr. 25, 2000 Unit Out of Coverage 6,269,763 Autonomous MarineVehicle Aug. 7, 2001 6,295,449 Data Messaging in a Sep. 25, 2001Communications Network Using a Feature Request 6,301,545 GlobalPositioning System Oct. 9, 2001 Tag System 6,427,127 Vibrating ConduitProcess Jul. 30, 2002 Parameter Sensors, Operating Methods and ComputerProgram Products Utilizing Complex Modal Estimation 6,499,476 VaporPressure Determination Dec. 31, 2002 Using Galvanic Oxygen Meter6,522,301 Above Deck Unit for Automatic Feb. 18, 2003 IdentificationSystem 6,542,076 Control, Monitoring and/or Apr. 1, 2003 SecurityApparatus and MethodEach of the above referenced patents are incorporated herein byreference.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides a safety system that is in the form of asimulated vent pipe when mounted on a marine vessel such as a barge.This simulated vent pipe can be mounted to a magnetic base that ismolded to look like a pipe flange. The magnetic base then can beattached to a selected location on a barge. Internally, the vent pipecan house selected components, such as a battery pack, radiotransmitter, and an oxygen sensor that sends a signal using the radiotransmitter if oxygen levels fall below a predetermined level such thatis deemed safe. The vent pipe can include an upper section that is a onepiece molded PVC vent pipe with a one quarter turn that locks the pipeto the magnetic base.

This vent pipe arrangement with magnetic base allows a small number ofthese devices to be positioned at selected locations so that personnelcan monitor barges or rail cars or containers moving through a port,rail yard, etc.

The apparatus of the present invention thus provides a simplestraightforward yet workable device for providing port or rail security.

The deployment plan of the present invention provides a response plan toassist governmental agencies and owners of barges, rail cars, containersand the like.

In one embodiment a radio message is provided when oxygen levels fallbelow a selected level or when a unit has moved beyond a selecteddistance from its desired location such as, for example, when the unitis moved beyond a distance of 50-500 feet, depending upon thesensitivity that is allowed by the operator.

In one embodiment a radio transmitter is provided and powered with abattery pack and having an oxygen sensor that signals with the radiotransmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected level. These internalparts are concealed within a simulated vent pipe to prevent theft,vandalism or detection of units by unauthorized personnel.

The present invention thus provides a simulated vent pipe that functionsas an oxygen sensor and/or as a g.p.s. position indicator. These ventpipes are a cost effective way to increase security over a large areafor barges, rail cars, containers or other like vessels or vehicles.

A tugboat crew, police department, fire department, commercial entity,civil defense office or other such entity can place the units of thepresent invention on moored barges, stationary rail cars, tanker trucks,or any other vessel loaded with bulk or hazardous material.

The g.p.s. unit can be set to send a signal using a radio transmitter ifthe selected vehicle or vessel moves, for example, 50 feet or morebeyond a selected location.

An oxygen sensor can be provided that sends a signal using the radiotransmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimumconcentration.

The provided radio transmitter can send a message to any selected entitysuch as a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, corporateheadquarters, civil defense office, or the personnel at a selectedlocation. Each unit can provide a g.p.s. position indicator that radioswhen it has moved more than a predetermined (agreed upon) distance orthat an oxygen level is below a selected minimum concentration.Additionally, a warning light can be activated or other alarm activatedwhen either the vehicle, vessel, or other unit has moved beyond aselected distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of vent pipes ontank cars near the outside perimeter of the switch yard.

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention illustrating an oxygen sensor matedto a radio transmitter and concealed in a vent pipe that can be placedon a flat metallic surface or other metal container enclosing hazardousmaterial.

FIG. 3 is an exploded elevation view illustrating a G.P.S. positionindicating device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating placement of G.P.S. unitson moored barges such as, for example, a raft of barges that are eightbarges wide and one quarter mile long.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a concealment system for abuilding.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram shown an alternative concealment systemfor a building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus formonitoring the position of selected vehicles or vessels such as barges,rail cars, containers and the like. In FIG. 1, a rail yard 10 is shownhaving vent pipes placed on tank cars at positions 11, 12, 13, 14wherein the switch yard, designated generally by the numeral 15 is, forexample, a quarter of a mile wide and one mile long. Placement of ventpipes in rail switch yard 15 can provide an early warning system forswitch yards 15 located near population centers. The vent pipes can beplaced on tank cars near the outside perimeter of switch yard 15.Distance D1 can be 1 mile. Distance D2 can be ¼ mile.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a simulated vent pipe 16 according tothe present invention. The vent pipe includes a base 17 that ispreferably magnetic and can be shaped or molded to look like a pipeflange.

Mounted to the base 17 is a simulated marine type vent pipe 18 that canbe a three sixteenth inch wall thickness one piece molded PVC vent pipe.The vent pipe 18 and magnetic base 17 can interlock using a one quarterturn locking arrangement of the pipe 18 to the base 17. Base 17 can bemolded to look like a pipe flange and vent pipe 18 can be constructed sothat a one quarter turn locks vent pipe 18 to base 17.

The simulated vent pipe 18 provides an interior 19 that is hollow sothat battery pack 20 and radio transmitter 21 can be contained therein.The radio transmitter 21 is interfaced with oxygen sensor 22 so that ifthe oxygen sensor 22 senses oxygen concentrations below a selected level(such as the ten percent figure indicated in FIG. 2), an instrumentationwire 23 interfaces the oxygen sensor with radio transmitter 21 to send asignal via antenna 24 that will be received by an appropriate lawenforcement officer, company headquarters, control center or the like.Oxygen sensor 22 connected to radio transmitter 21 can be concealed invent pipe 18 and placed on a flat surface or any metal containerenclosing hazardous material(s).

In FIG. 3, the internal components of another sensor device are shown.In FIG. 3, only the magnetic base 17 is shown, its cover having beenremoved for purposes of clarity. Within interior 19 of pipe 18 there isprovided a rechargeable battery pack 25 for powering G.P.S. unit 26,strobe light 27, and radio transmitter 28. The cover 29 provided in FIG.3 can be a clear lexan, one piece molded cover that protects the base 17battery pack 25 and components 26, 27, 28. Antenna 32 with base 31 canbe used to send a signal using radio transmitter 28 that alertsappropriate rescue personnel or other law enforcement agency, firedepartment, police department or the like that a selected vessel (orvehicle) to which base 17 and components 25-32 are attached has shiftedposition more than a preselected minimum distance. A seal 33 can beincluded between cover 29 and antenna 32.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating placement of G.P.S. units40, 41, 42, 43 on moored barges such as, for example, a raft of bargesthat are eight barges wide and one quarter mile long. In FIG. 4 is ariver 35, such as the Mississippi River, with levees or river banks36,37 on either side of river 35 and having current 38.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a concealment system for chemicaland/or biological sensors 100 for a building 50. This system may beparticularly applicable to governmental buildings which are located inan urban environment. Such a concealment system can deter vandalism ofthe sensors 100 by making them less noticeable. In FIG. 5 sensors 100are concealed in a container 80 resembling an electrical breaker box andlocated on the exterior wall 55 of building 50. The container caninclude a plurality of openings 85 from which air can be drawn by a fan,such as inline fan 120. Inline fan 120 can be connected to container 80through pipe 110. Pipe 110 can resemble ordinary electrical conduitpipe. Accordingly, where container 80 resembles an electrical breakerbox and pipe 110 resembles electrical conduit then persons would believeit was merely an standard electrical breaker box which is not out of theordinary and not providing an incentive to investigate further orvandalize. Air drawn through pipe 110 can be discharged through pipe 130and vent 140. Air flow can be in the direction of arrows 121, 122. Vent140 can resemble an ordinary dryer vent so as not to draw attention tothe unit. Panel 170 can be located inside of building 170 and controlsensors 100. Panel 170 can also supply power to fan 120 through powersource 150. If chemical and/or biological agents are detected then asignal can be sent to panel 170 and an alarm issued. Panel 170 can bemonitored by security personnel already in place in many governmentbuildings, or signals from panel 170 can be sent to a remote monitoringstation, such as through phone lines, computer lines such as theinternet, or via radio signals.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative concealment systemfor a building 60. In this alternative system a double vent system 210,200 is all that is seen by the public. Vents 210, 200 can each resemblecommon ordinary dryer vents. Vents 210, 200 can be connected throughpipe 220. Sensors 240 can be included in pipe 220. Fan 230 can be usedto cause air to flow from vent 210 to vent 200. Air flow can be in thedirection of arrows 231, 232. Panel 170 can be used to monitor andcontrol sensors 240 through lines 260 and also supply power to fan 230through power supply line 250. The operation of this system is similarto the system should in FIG. 5.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS The following is a list of reference numeralsused in this application. Reference Number Description 10 rail yard 11tank car 12 tank car 13 tank car 14 tank car 15 switch yard 16 simulatedvent pipe 17 magnetic base 18 simulated vent pipe 19 pipe interior 20battery pack 21 radio transmitter 22 oxygen sensor 23 instrumentationwire 24 antenna 25 battery pack 26 g.p.s. unit 27 strobe light 28 radiotransmitter 29 cover 31 antenna base 32 antenna 33 seal 35 river 36levee 37 levee 38 current 40 G.P.S. unit 41 G.P.S. unit 42 G.P.S. unit43 G.P.S. unit 50 building 55 exterior wall 56 interior wall 60 building65 exterior wall 70 ground level 80 electrical breaker box 90 holes 100sensors 110 electrical conduit pipe 120 fan 121 arrow 122 arrow 130 pipe140 vent 150 power supply 160 wires 170 panel 180 interior 190 wall 200vent 210 vent 220 pipe 230 fan 231 arrow 232 arrow 240 sensors 250 powersupply 260 wires 270 panel 280 interior

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for concealing sensors in an urbanenvironment, comprising: (a) a sensor, the sensor sensing chemical orbiological agents; (b) a container, the container housing the sensor andresembling an electrical box; (c) a pipe connected to the container, andextending away from the container, the pipe resembling electricalconduit; (d) a vent connected to the pipe; (e) a fan operativelyconnected to the container, the fan causing an airflow to be drawnthrough the container and across the sensor, and through the pipe, andair flow to exit through the vent, wherein air flow across the sensorallows the sensor to detect chemical or biological agents in such airflow.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control panel, thecontrol panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the system is installed in a building beinglocated on a ground surface, the building having an interior and a wallwith interior and exterior sides, with the vent and container beingmounted on the exterior side of the wall with the container being spacedabove the ground, and the panel being located in the interior.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the vent is spaced apart from the containerand the pipe passes from the exterior of the wall to the interior of thewall.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is set up to bemonitored by security personnel, and the sensor sends a warning signalto monitoring security personnel if chemical or biological agents aredetected.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the vent resembles a dryervent.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing resembles anelectrical breaker box.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensorsenses for chemical agents.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensorsenses for biological agents.
 10. A system for concealing sensors in anurban environment, comprising: (a) a sensor, the sensor sensing chemicalor biological agents; (b) a first vent, the first vent resembling avent; (c) a second vent, the second vent resembling a vent; (d) a pipeconnected to the first and second vents and housing the sensor; (e) afan operatively connected to the pipe, the fan causing an airflow to bedrawn through the first vent, pipe and across the sensor, and air flowto exit through the second vent, wherein air flow across the sensorallows the sensor to detect chemical or biological agents in such airflow.
 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a control panel,the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan. 12.The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor sends a warning signal ifchemical or biological agents are detected.
 13. The system of claim 10,wherein the system is installed in a building being located on a groundsurface, the building having an interior and a wall with interior andexterior sides, with the first and second vents being mounted on theexterior side of the wall and the first and second vents being spacedapart from each other and the panel being located in the interior. 14.The system of claim 10, wherein the system is set up to be monitored bysecurity personnel, and the sensor sends a warning signal to monitoringsecurity personnel if chemical or biological agents are detected. 15.The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second vents resembles adryer vents.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor senses forchemical agents.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor sensesfor biological agents.